New Mexico offers hiking vacation options for everyone from beginning to advanced hikers. The terrain varies from rocky trails through the mountains to scenic canyons and even to archaeological sites, ice caves, and volcanoes. Many popular hiking spots are a short distance from the major cities of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, giving vacationers a base for experiencing some of the natural wonders of this Southwestern state.
Easy Hikes Near Albuquerque
In addition to art and cultural attractions, Albuquerque is a good base for plenty of hiking opportunities. While vacationing in the area, hike the paved Mesa Point Trail at Boca Negra Canyon in the Petroglyph National Monument, traveling up the mesa and viewing 1,000-year-old petroglyphs along the way. Petroglyph National Monument also has trails through Rinconada Canyon. The Crest Trail is a popular trail with visitors and locals; the most popular route is from the parking lot to the tram terminal. Hikers can hike to the crest and take the tram back down, or vice versa. Sulphur Canyon, Faulty Trail, and Bill Spring Loop are other easy hikes near Albuquerque.
Challenging Hikes Near Albuquerque
For ambitious hikers, the Red Canyon/Spruce Spring Loop trail, about 30 miles from Albuquerque, offers a hike through several biological zones. The Piedra Lisa Trail through the northwest Sandia Mountains tends to be snow-covered in the winter and early spring, creating a more challenging hike. Most hikers hike this trail only one way and have a car at each end of the trail. The Tree Spring Loop is an all-day hike in the Sandia Mountains, and features abundant wildflowers in the spring.
Hikes Near Santa Fe
Santa Fe, known for its artisans, fine dining and upscale shopping, is another vacation spot with nearby hiking trails. The Tyuoni Overlook is northwest of Santa Fe, in the Bandelier National Monument. Hike this flat trail that passes by several archaeological sites and offers views of the Frijoles Canyon. In the Santa Fe National Forest, the Black Canyon trail is an easy hike for families and children, and the Borrego/Bear Wallow Trail is a more challenging hike through an aspen forest.
Chaco Canyon
At the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, west of both cities, the National Park Service maintains a variety of trails, offering views of the Chaco Canyon and Mesa, as well as petroglyphs and archaelogical ruins dating back to 850 A.D. If you feel like roughing it, the park offers camping in a rugged setting.
Hiking in Other Parts of New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns in southern New Mexico is a popular tourist destination 75 miles south of Roswell. Take a hike above ground on the hiking trails throughout this national park. The Gila National Forest, in the southwest corner of the state and about two hours west of Las Cruces, is remote, but popular for the Catwalk National Recreation Trail and the Gila Cliff Dwellings.
Considerations
Because the terrain in New Mexico varies from alpine forest to flat deserts, hiking opportunities abound all year. Vacationers hiking in New Mexico can expect cold temperatures and snow, and some trail closures, when hiking in the mountain areas during the winter and spring. Due to drought conditions, the U.S. Forest Service sometimes closes trails in the summer to reduce fire hazards. Always check with rangers before venturing out to make sure the trails are open. Stay on designated trails, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
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